A once fallen star from the San Fransisco 49ers, Aldon Smith, has some demons to fight in his personal life. Beyond the fact that he was recently released by the Niners, Smith is facing some off-the-field issues concerning his recent DUI arrest, the third since 2011.
Now it appears that Smith, despite facing discipline from the NFL, will be staying in the Bay Area after-all. The 25-year-old former star pass rusher will be signing with the Oakland Raiders.
Following from NFL.com.
The Oakland Raiders will sign Smith to a one-year contract after a recent face-to-face meeting, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports, via a source informed of the player’s situation.
Following from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Despite off-field issues, Raiders’ Aldon Smith IS eligible to play Sunday, per source. OAK will consider playing him, based on conditioning.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2015
More from NFL.com’s Ian Rappaport.
Aldon Smith is in the #Raiders building & will sign. He chose them over the #Jaguars, #Bucs & #Rams, I’m told. It’s a one-year deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2015
Smith being eligible to play on Sunday, pending his conditioning, paired up with Khalil Mack is a dangerous tandem for the Raiders to have for at least this season. He is facing a discipline from the NFL but if he is suspended for a couple of games and will return the Raiders will have the best combo of pass rushers in the NFL for not only this year but for years to come.
